New Extreme Weather Preparedness Grant Program: Councillor Kelly Addresses Joint Committee and City Staff
- Clarke Kelly
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 24
June 16, 2026
Statement from Councillor Kelly
On Monday, at a Joint Meeting of the Environment and Climate Change and Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committees, I spoke in support of a new three-year pilot Extreme Weather Preparedness Grant Program, aimed at helping our great community organizations further strengthen their role in helping residents with emergency preparedness.
Drawing on West Carleton-March's experiences with floods, tornadoes, the derecho, and prolonged power outages, I highlighted the important role that local volunteers and community organizations like West Carleton Disaster Relief play during emergencies.
In my questions for staff, I also asked how existing programs could help organizations meet insurance requirements and how the City will recognize groups with proven emergency response experience.
As extreme weather events become more common, investing in community preparedness and resilience is a practical step that will help communities support residents when they need it most.
You can listen to my comments and questions for staff in the video below ▼
Update: June 24: Council officially approved the program. The City is investing $1 million in community organizations to help neighbourhoods better prepare, respond and recover.
The program will provide up to $50,000 per year to local non-profit organizations for efforts to strengthen neighbourhood-level preparedness. Funding will support practical, on-the-ground solutions. These include creating community emergency plans, training volunteers, and improving coordination and public awareness.
Funding will also support buying and sharing essential equipment and supplies, including mobile generators and power stations, temporary shelters, radios, safety equipment and emergency kits. These resources will help communities respond faster during emergencies, support residents where they live, and reduce pressure on first responders and social services, but are not intended to replace emergency services.
Do you have questions about this issue or any other City matter? Whether you're looking for information, assistance, or help connecting with the right City department, my team and I are happy to assist.
Email: Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca
Phone: 613-580-2475
Office of Councillor Clarke Kelly
5670 Carp Road
Kinburn, ON
K0A 2H0
